The new free software, called MotionInput, promises to make touchless gaming and computing accessible to everyone, regardless of whether they have a disability, the BBC reports.
MotionInput allows users to design new click and control inputs that fit their needs without knowing how to use a mouse or keyboard. It uses the computer’s webcam to input facial expressions and physical gestures that best suit their needs.
So, for example, making a fish face or raising an eyebrow replaces a right click or double click. Users can get the supporting software for free from the Microsoft Store.
(Photo: StartupStockPhotos from Pixabay) A team of researchers from the University of Washington has announced A11yBoard for Google Slides, a browser extension customized to improve accessibility for the visually impaired.
Over the past four years, more than 200 students have been working on MotionInput under the guidance of Dean Mohammedali, professor of computer science at University College London. As an example of “fair computing”, the professor argued it would “democratise” traditional technology by allowing children to play games using their body movements.
This customized technology is made possible by Intel artificial intelligence (AI) software, which uses machine learning to identify parts of your body and determine which movements and facial expressions correspond to specific actions during gameplay.
With so much of modern life revolving around electronic devices, making assistive technology more widely available is a clear advantage. This kind of technology can be completely life-changing.
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Touchless technology beyond gaming
Although gaming is the main focus today, technologies such as MotionInput have much broader applications than that: Touchless computing is also expected to have applications in education, healthcare and architecture.
Dr Shepherd continues that in an increasingly digital world, these technologies can help people stay connected in the workplace. The future aim for UCL’s MotionInput software is to make inaccessible applications commercially available.
Sony Access Controller
Disability-accessible gaming continues to gain attention, most notably with Sony’s announcement last December of its Access Controller, which, although it doesn’t use touchless technology, is designed to make gaming accessible to everyone.
The Access Controller took five years to develop, during which six design concepts were explored and a range of accessibility experts and community playtesters with disabilities were consulted.
The goal was to create a design that could be adjusted to suit the needs of a wide variety of players. Your accessibility journey begins as soon as you open the product. The Access Controller box was created by Sony with the user in mind. It features easy-pull loops on both sides, making it easy to open with one hand.
Nineteen interchangeable button caps and three stick caps are some of the many kit components efficiently arranged in slots throughout the internal layout.
The Access Controller recognizes the diverse needs within the accessibility community and is designed to be an immediately usable solution for many players with disabilities. The circular, programmable controller features a large touchpad, programmable buttons, and accessible connectors for external devices such as joysticks and switches.
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